Bell Ringer – 5/21/08 1.What was the Boxer Rebellion? 2.Why did many Americans support Cuba’s fight for independence from Spain? 3.Explain the Teller Amendment.

The Panama Canal - Before a canal was dug through Panama, traveling around South America took several weeks

The French starting building a canal to cut across 50 miles of land between Atlantic & Pacific Oceans After losing 20,000 lives, they abandoned the job within 10 yrs After negotiations, the U.S. and President Roosevelt agreed to construct the canal

Building the Canal Working conditions were harsh; many construction workers broke out with yellow fever or malaria & died Millions of tons of dirt and rock had to be moved – 8 miles of the canal had to be blasted through mountains Work began in 1904, not complete until 1914 when water rushed from both oceans 6,000 workers died it construction; $375 million was spent

Panama Canal Group Assignment Form groups of 3-4 As a group, decide if you will support American involvement in the construction of the Panama Canal Create a political poem or speech that could have been given to the U.S. Government in the early 1900s Points will be awarded based on presentation. Groups should have a “skit” written, but all members must speak or read

Homework Page 611, #1 and #3a Chapter 20 worksheet All due tomorrow